"An' my service, as you call it, has been good for me." "Are you going down to Pine with us ?" "No." "But you will come soon ?" "Not very soon, I reckon," he replied, and averted his gaze.
"When ?" "Hardly before spring." "Spring ?...

That is a long time.

Won't you come to see me sooner than that ?" "If I can get down to Pine." "You're the first friend I've made in the West," said Helen, earnestly.
"You'll make many more--an' I reckon soon forget him you called the man of the forest." "I never forget any of my friends.

And you've been the--the biggest friend I ever had." "I'll be proud to remember." "But will you remember--will you promise to come to Pine ?" "I reckon." "Thank you.

All's well, then....